Lidl strives to improve its products on a daily basis, in line with high standards of quality and safety, and to ensure more sustainability, both environmentally and socially.
Aware of the possible impact that the chemicals used in the production of textiles and footwear could have on humans and the environment, Lidl has taken an important step forward to "a better tomorrow". Through the Detox Commitment, the Lidl Group is committed to do everything possible to eliminate chemicals defined as critical by Greenpeace from production sites for textiles and footwear under our commercial brand. The goal is to replace these substances by 2020 with currently guaranteed alternatives.
For Lidl social sustainability is also an important issue. For this reason the Group requires adherence to the code of conduct subject to the BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) in the production of all its textiles and footwear. This code of conduct is based on the international labour standards and aims to create more socially sustainable production conditions. Its application at all sites that produce items under the Lidl brand is checked regularly by independent organisations.
To favour the constant improvement of working conditions, Lidl promotes specific initiatives and projects tailored to the diverse situations of the countries involved.
Lidl’s commitment is also reflected in increasing transparency in the supply chain of textiles and footwear bearing its brand.
The Lidl Group was the first food retailer to publish the list of approximately 650 production sites for the textiles and footwear under its own brand. The list, published in January 2017, contains the names, addresses and country of origin of all independent producers that Lidl commissions for the production of its products.
Through this policy, Lidl strives to routinely offer its customers more transparency and quality.
Lidl also invests in the countries of production and has started a collaboration with GIZ*, the German Association for International Cooperation. This collaboration revolves around the training project called “PURE” (Project for Environmental and Resource Efficiency). The project has the following objectives:
- the promotion of safe management of chemicals for workers within production facilities;
- the implementation of measures designed to reduce resource and energy consumption;
- improvement in waste and wastewater management.
* GIZ – German Association for International Cooperation
GIZ, with headquarters in Bonn and Eschborn, is an organisation for the international development of the German Republic. It is responsible for supporting the government in achieving an international cooperation, whilst also promoting sustainable development and transnational training. With more than 50 years’ experience in issues relating to energy and the environment as well as the promotion of security and peace, it advises, not only the German government, but also the institutions of the European Union, the United Nations, private companies and other governments of other countries.
